SANKHALI, OCTOBER 3: The Congress has alleged that a BJP Yuva Morcha worker attempted to disrupt the ongoing ‘Goy Rakhonn Yatra’ in Sankhali, leading to a brief confrontation between Congress workers and the individual.
Goa Pradesh Congress Committee Media and Communication Department Chairman Amarnath Panjikar alleged that the incident occurred while the yatra was passing through the Sankhali constituency.
According to Panjikar, Congress youth workers noticed an individual recording women participants of the yatra and allegedly questioning them about where they had come from and who had paid them to participate.
Congress workers reportedly questioned the individual about his identity. Panjikar alleged that the person initially claimed to be an independent digital influencer, but was later identified, according to Congress, as a BJP Yuva Morcha worker associated with the Sankhali unit.
Congress further alleged that the individual refused to leave the spot and attempted to escalate the situation by calling others to the location.
Panjikar accused the BJP of attempting to create disturbances around the yatra and alleged that the ruling party was resorting to intimidation instead of addressing the issues being raised by the Congress.
“Everyone has the democratic right to question an opposition programme and express political differences. However, recording women participants and questioning them about who paid them cannot be considered democratic political dialogue,” Panjikar said.
He claimed that the Goy Rakhonn Yatra, which is focused on issues concerning Goa’s land, identity, environment, employment and future generations, would continue despite the alleged attempts to obstruct it.
Congress also alleged that the incident reflected an attempt to create tension around a peaceful political programme. Panjikar said Congress workers would not be provoked into violence and would continue their campaign through democratic means.
“If the BJP believes that the Goy Rakhonn Yatra can be stopped through intimidation, pressure and muscle power, it is seriously mistaken. Congress workers will not be intimidated, and the voice of the people of Goa cannot be silenced,” Panjikar said.
Congress has reiterated that the yatra will continue across Goa while raising issues it says are important to the state’s land, identity, environment, employment and governance.
Note: The allegations in this report are based on statements issued by the Congress. The claims regarding the alleged identity and actions of the individual have not been independently verified.
